Rowan Williams to be the new chair of Christian Aid

Rowan Williams to be the new chair of Christian Aid

Dr Rowan Williams, who retires as Archbishop of Canterbury in January 2013, is to become chair of the board of trustees of Christian Aid next year.

Christian Aid is an international agency based in the UK, supported by a wide range of church denominations, but operating across the globe in relief, development and advocacy without regard to creed.

Announcing the appointment today (11 December 2012), Christian Aid director Ms Loretta Minghella commented: "Archbishop Rowan brings a passionate interest in tackling the symptoms and causes of poverty, a profound theological understanding and deep experience of addressing issues of environmental, economic and social justice with church and political leaders across the world. This is wonderful news for Christian Aid."

Dr Williams will take up a new role as Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge next year.

At Christian Aid he succeeds Dame Anne Owers, formerly HM Inspector of Prisons, who completed her term of office as chair at the board meeting in November 2013.

Dr Williams himlself said: "’I am very honoured indeed to be invited to chair the Board of Christian Aid. I had hoped very much to be able to continue some regular involvement in support and advocacy in the area of international justice and development, and this will allow such an involvement to flourish."

He continued: "Many years of cooperation with, and support for, Christian Aid have made me familiar with the excellent quality of all that they do, and I am personally very happy indeed to be working with them in this new role at a time when international development issues will need the most dedicated and sustained attention."

The appointment process was led by Kumar Jacob, Acting Chair of Christian Aid’s board, and culminated in a process of approval this week by Christian Aid’s sponsoring churches.

Mr Jacob said: "Archbishop Rowan’s leadership on issues of international development and the role of churches in the fight against poverty across the world has been exceptional. I believe we have found in him the perfect Chair for the organisation at this time and a great custodian for the British and Irish churches’ continuing work in tackling the scandal of poverty through their support for Christian Aid."

Dr. Williams will take up his position in May 2013. Kumar Jacob will continue as Acting Chair in the meantime.